What Is Dilantin & What Are Its Uses?

Dilantin (phenytoin) is a safe, inexpensive, yet underused drug that has been shown to help a wide range of health problems.

This drug, which has been around since the 1930s, is prescribed mainly for epilepsy. However, Dilantin does more than treat seizures. Studies and clinical experience have demonstrated that Dilantin uses include treating dysphoria—an emotional state marked by feelings of depression, anxiety, restlessness, dissatisfaction or unease.

How Does Dilantin Work?

Dilantin calms electrical activity in the brain. That’s why it’s such a great anti-seizure medication. However, even if you don’t have a seizure disorder, you may be one of the millions of people who have “static” in these electrical impulses. This can lead to anxiety, depression and a host of other problems.

That’s where low-dose Dilantin comes in. Its effects on the nervous system can be likened to fine-tuning a radio.If you’re getting static—you can hear the music but there’s also a lot of irritating noise—adjusting the dial removes the noise and allows only music to come through. The sound is soothing and everyone is happy.

What Does Treatment With Dilantin Involve?

Dilantin uses require a prescription, so you will need to talk to your doctor. However, be prepared that he may not be willing to prescribe it for the conditions mentioned here.

Even though it is perfectly legal for physicians to do so (it’s called “off-label” drug use), medicine has become so tightly regulated that doctors sometimes tell patients they won’t risk their medical license by writing a prescription for other Dilantin uses.

That’s why I suggest you go to your physician armed with information. In addition to what you’ve read here, I strongly recommend the book The Story of a Remarkable Medicine, by Jack Dreyfus. It’s available, along with more information about Dilantin uses, at Remarkablemedicine.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content of DrWhitaker.com is offered on an informational basis only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider before making any adjustment to a medication or treatment you are currently using, and/or starting any new medication or treatment. All recommendations are "generally informational" and not specifically applicable to any individual's medical problems, concerns and/or needs.

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Dr. Julian Whitaker is the founder and director of the Whitaker Wellness Institute, where for more than 30 years he has helped treat tens of thousands of people—many with serious, chronic illnesses—who have been failed by conventional medicine.Learn more about Dr. Whitaker